In this second episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Veronica Spedner, a veteran special education teacher working in one of Oregon's most diverse high schools. Veronica shares how her core values—hard work, preparation, and inclusion—guide her daily work with students who have IEPs. She emphasizes the importance of supporting students not just academically, but socially and emotionally, so they can thrive beyond high school, whether in college, the workforce, or independent living. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Veronica critiques the current political climate, expressing deep concern about efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back DEI policies. She argues that the erosion of federal oversight could severely impact students with disabilities, English learners, and other marginalized groups. Veronica shares her fears that without strong federal protections, we risk returning to an era of segregation and exclusion. Her response to Project 2025 is blunt: “It feels like we’re going backward.” But amid these challenges, Veronica remains hopeful. She believes in the resilience of educators and the power of inclusive classrooms where students with disabilities not only belong but also enrich the learning experience for everyone. Her message to policymakers is clear: spend time in public schools, talk to students, and see the impact of inclusive education firsthand. This episode is a powerful reminder that equity in education isn’t a luxury, it’s a legal and moral imperative.

In this introductory episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo speaks with Dr. Gina Rogers, a middle school educator, about the emotional and political landscape facing her English Language Development (ELD) students in the United States. As the lead teacher for a newcomer program serving refugee and immigrant students, Dr. Rogers discusses the challenges her students face, from navigating school for the first time in a new country to coping with fears of deportation and housing instability. She describes the heightened stress levels in her classroom after the election and the profound impact of national uncertainty surrounding the Department of Education’s future under Trump’s administration. Drawing from her personal journey as a Romanian immigrant during the Carter era, Dr. Rogers emphasizes the power of safety, stability, and compassion in the classroom. This heartfelt conversation blends policy, pedagogy, and personal experience, showing that in a time of political upheaval, educators like Dr. Rogers are fighting to keep schools a sanctuary for their most vulnerable students.

The podcast begins with Rick and Tim's reaction to the 2024 election results of the first election in US history where an adjudicated rapist, convicted felon, and insurrectionist won a presidential election. Topics include Elon Musk, Luigi Mangione, immigration, and what went wrong with Kamala Harris's election campaign.